Newton Signs with RedHawks

FARGO, ND - The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks have signed INF/OF Brandon Newton to a contact.

Newton, 27, split time in 2013 between the Newark (NJ) Bears of the Can-Am League and the Rockford (IL) Aviators of the Frontier League. Between the two stops, he batted .272 with 17 doubles, three triples, one home run, 26 RBIs and 60 runs scored in 92 games.

Newton is returning to the American Association this season after spending the 2012 season with the Sioux City Explorers. That season, he batted .332 with 14 doubles, six triples, one home run, 32 RBIs and 67 runs scored in 89 games for the Explorers. Newton posted a .406 on-base percentage and stole 12 bases. He tied for sixth in the league in batting average.

Newton began his professional baseball career in 2010 with the Schaumburg Flyers of the Northern League after playing collegiately at Lindenwood University in Missouri. He played for the Lake County (IL) Captains of the North American League and the Normal (IL) Cornbelters in 2011.

In four professional seasons, Newton has batted .304 with 62 doubles, 18 triples, nine home runs, 119 RBIs and 223 runs scored in 334 games played.

"Brandon was a very solid player for Sioux City a couple years ago and we think he can recapture that this season," said RedHawks Manager Doug Simunic. "Defensively, he can play all over the field. That versatility is very valuable with the size of our rosters."